Nick Cave is one of the most talented and influential performers/lyricists to have emerged since 1980. This critical biography charts his career from the early days with "The Birthday Party". With this band and later "The Bad Seeds", he has repeatedly succeeded in creating idiosyncratic, obsessive lyrical visions which make no concession to prevailing musical fads. His personal life has been equally turbulent and this book tells the full story of his drug addiction. It offers an overview of his career to date, unravelling the motivation of this reluctant icon and exploring his unique appeal. With exclusive interviews with Cave's fellow musicians, friends and colleagues, Johnston illustrates a life lived in barely controlled chaos and provides a vivid portrait of a maverick artist whose songs, according to "Rolling Stone", possess "the austerity of the most primal kind of myth".

About the Author

As a freelance writer, Ian Johnston has contributed numerous articles on film and music to various publications. He has also worked on several music videos. His book on the career of the The Cramps was described as "one of the best and most diligently researched music books of all time."

Reviews

'Gripping and well-written... an appropriately pukka examination.' Q 'Harshly compelling... an enthralling biography." ESQUIRE 'Most impressive... Bad Seed stands worthy of the man and that is some achievement.' NME 'Scrupulous, complex and intriguing.' MOJO 'A primer of the fearful side of rock... very well written.' MAIL ON SUNDAY 'Genuinely intriguing... notably frank.' GQ 'So interesting!' KYLIE MINOGUE